Source: Office of United States Attorneys
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MALI WILLIAMS, age 25, of Violet, La., was indicted on March 8, 2024 for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and tapentadol, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
According to court documents, WILLIAMS was previously convicted of felony offenses in St. Bernard Parish. Due to his criminal history, he is prohibited from having a firearm. He is now charged with possessing a firearm on October 12, 2023. Moreover, WILLIAMS is alleged to have possessed marijuana and tapentadol with the intent to distribute, as well as firearm possession in furtherance of that drug trafficking offense.
If convicted of possession with intent to distribute, WILLIAMS faces a maximum of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and at least three (3) years of supervised release. If convicted of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, he faces a minimum of five (5) years and a maximum of life imprisonment, which must be served consecutively with any other count, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five (5) years of supervised release. If convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, he faces a maximum of fifteen (15) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. For each count of conviction, WILLIAMS faces a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Rayburn of the Violent Crime Unit.